Gabby Douglas: Comments about my hair "stupid"

Gabby Douglas celebrates after she won the artistic gymnastics women's individual all-around final on Aug. 2, 2012, during London's Olympic Games. / Getty

(CBS/AP) LONDON - Women's gymnastics all-around champion Gabby Douglas likes her hairstyle just fine, thanks.

The 16-year-old said Sunday she was a little confused when she logged onto her computer after winning her second gold medal in three days and discovered people were debating her pulled-back look.

"I don't know where this is coming from. What's wrong with my hair?" said Douglas, the first U.S. gymnast to win gold in team and all-around competition. "I'm like, `I just made history and people are focused on my hair?' It can be bald or short, it doesn't matter about (my) hair."

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Gold medal winner Gabby Douglas

Douglas uses gel, clips and a ponytail holder to keep things in place while she competes, a style she's worn for years.

"Nothing is going to change," she said. "I'm going to wear my hair like this during beam and bar finals. You might as well just stop talking about it."

The bubbly teenager is the first African-American gymnast to win her sport's biggest prize. She had no idea she was lighting up social media until she Googled herself hours after winning her gold medal.

"I don't think people should be worried about that," she said. "We're all champions and we're all winners. I just say that it's kind of, a stupid and crazy thought to think about my hair."

Olympic gold medalist Serena Williams agrees.

"It's gorgeous! People don't know what they're talking about," Williams told USA TODAY Sports on Friday. "It's ridiculous. It's so ridiculous. Her hair is gorgeous."

[RedSkalaton]

Why not criticize everyone else's hair? Is the individual's race coming into play for those that cannot handle Gabby Douglas of America as the Gold Medalist in women's gymnastics?

Thank you Gabby for showing the world your gymnastics skills.

[Rasko509]

Gabby, here's a tip: Don't Google yourself.

But really, people need to stop talking about the hair. Athletes REALLY don't give a flying flip what their hair looks like when they are training and when trying to win. All these negative people need to stop being ridiculous couch potatoes, and find something more interesting to talk about.

[RedSkalaton]

The so called uproar over Gabby's hair has to do with those individuals upset about Gabby's race (Black) as the Gold Medalist. Those nonsensical people should be applauding Gabby and her best in the world gymnastics status, instead of criticizing her hair.

The world stage in Olympics is staged for a select few athletes competing against the best in world. Not all athletes are Gold Medalists. That is left for the limited amount of competing athletes after intense competition for the medals.

Thank you Gabby Douglas for being a Gold Medalist in 2012 London Olympics and showing the people of the world that you are one of the truly gifted athletes.

[joule18]

You are so wrong! Trying to keep dividing us by race are you? Gabby's hair is styled in a such a way to keep it from distracting her or the judges during competition as everyone elses was. Her hard work and her family's sacrifices have paid off in a wonderful way.

[mzko444]

FIRST ALL I WANT TO SAY THANK YOU GABBY FOR MAKING HISTORY!! HANDS DOWN THIS YOUNG LADY IS NOT CRYING TOO THE BANK! SHE WAVING AND LAUGHING ALL THE WAY TOO THE BANK! SHE GIVE ALL THE GLORY TO GOD AND ALL THE BLESSINGS FALL DOWN ON HER!! THIS YOUNG LADY IS FOCUSED ON HER DREAMS AND GOALS! ALSO IF YOU ARE COMMENTING NEGATIVE ON HER HAIR PLEASE SWEEP ROUND YOUR ON FRONT DOOR BEFORE YOU SPEAK! SPEAK ON HOW SHE JUST MADE HISTORY & PLAN ON CONTINUING!! GOD HAVE BIG PLANS FOR HER! TOO ME GABBY YOU ARE AN ANGLE WITH WINGS. MAY GOD B WITH YOU<3<3

[nohater]

don't see the fuss over her hair. just don't, nope.

[EmtFF10]

There is NOTHING wrong with this young lady's hair at all.

[bundye]

Young lady, God has blessed you no matter what people say. Do the best you can do, and don't worry yourself over haters, and those jealous. Give God glory in all you do.

[hankvreeland]

Miss Gabby, you are admirable. Ignore the pismires.

[Thinkbeforeyouwrite]

Thanks, Gabby, for giving us such a thrill at the Olympics and congratulations! As for your hair, you wear it any way you want and people who comment negatively need to find something better to do with their time. They probably are more than a little envious of your success. You go, girl!!!

[Truth_Bee_Told]

Well I didn't know there was any contreversy surrounding her hair until I saw this story online. I watched her compete with her hair up and saw her interviewed with hair down. In my opinion, she looks much better with her hair down because it makes her look her age. I find that the hair pulled back look is old fashioned and makes her look much older than 16. what I don't understand is why this came up in the 1st place or why someone is considered a racist for saying they like her hair down...Am i missing something?